Protein????

Hi all! I hope all are well this weekend! I have a simple question.......since I'm researching and hoping to have wls....I know that after, you must have a daily dose of protein. Could you guys inform me on how much and what you use (powder, bars, etc...) to get this? Are there any recommendations? I am just looking at all the "after effects" that will cost me...... Heather

Hi Heather, I'm told to get 60-80 grams daily. I attempt to get mine through food, but have no problem substituting a shake or bar when needed. As a matter of fact, I'm going to ditch my evening meal in favor of a shake (Carnation Instant Breakfast/Chocolate) for a while. I want to kick start the losing again. Plus, I can't stand eating late at night. Acid reflux results if I eat to late and attempt to go to bed. Yuck!! There's plenty of high protein foods available, but being inventive with how you make them and keeping them interesting is the killer. Take care! TraciL

Hi Heather Every doctor seems to have his own idea about post op nutrition. For example my surgeon dictates two shakes per day for life to supplement. I just saw him on Friday for my 3 year check up and and the first words out of his mouth were "are you drinking your shakes?" Other doctors say no more shakes after you get back to solid food, while still others never use shakes. A typical day for me is a shake that I mix and carry to work (I make an 'iced' coffee concoction with vanilla powder, instant coffee, SF flavored syrup, coffee creamer, Equal, crushed ice and water). I supplement sometimes during the day with South Beach meal replacement or cereal bars or an EAS bar. I generally have a salad with protein for lunch and dinner is a protein with a starch. I have never purchased the expensive protein powders. I buy the EAS Advantage or Designer Whey powder in bulk at Sam's Club or BJ's Wholesale Club. You will read where a lot of people can't stand the powders and whine about the taste. I have never had that luxury since it was a condition of my recovery and continued good health. I am also one of the 'fortunate' in that even at 3 years out I can't eat a quantity of food, though I have trouble with the 'quality' and can eat more 'junk' than is good for me. I need to be constantly aware of what I am eating or I would be in trouble. I've had pounds creep up on me because I haven'****ched what I was putting in my mouth. Best wishes as your WLS journey continues. Hugs, Mo

Hi Heather I would ave to say everyone is different. My nutrtionist wants me to get in about 60-80 grams of protein. I try to get mine through high potein foods. Lately I decided to start drinking it also. I use Carnation instant breakfast. (The no sugar added) I did not like the powder mix but did it right after my surgery because I wanted to do it right. But I mixed it in my pudding. After a while drinking it was getting nasty to me. Sometimes I buy the South Beach Bars and they have a good amount of Protein in them. Each is to there own and you will find what works for you but for right after surgery the powder mix and Instant Carnation are good.

Hi Heather, I have tried many different protein shakes, drinks and stuff and the only one that I really can tolerate after surgery is Body Fortress Vanilla flavor from walmart it is $13.00 for 3 pounds. Good luck checking them out. hugs Cira

Today I was in happy harry's, who is converting to walgreens here, and they have a HUGE clearance sale. I picked up a 4 pack of protein shakes for $1.50!!!! They are vanilla and have 15g per serving.....I will let ya all know later how they were! I am kinda scared to try after reading so many "YUCK" comments.......lol! Wish me luck!!!!!

Heather, I've purchased most of my protein stuff from the Vitamin Shoppe -- the Isopure No Carb Protein drinks in the Apple Melon and Grape flavors. I use a one liter bottle -- pour the entire bottle of liquid protein in it and top it off with water. You can also drink them without mixing with water. Don't purchase the orange -- NASTY . Protein shakes I've tried are Lean Body (my favorite); WorldWide RTD (Strawberry Creme --its OK); Extreme Smoothie (this one must be an acquired taset -- didn't like it too much). Quaker oat meal have the low sugar Maple/Brown Sugar oatmeal w/4 grams of protein. Its suggested that you try various protein drinks prior to surgery. The Vitamin Shoppe does sell them individually. Have fun experimenting.

One thing I have realized since I started my wl journey is that everyone has a differnet opinion on protein shakes. I think it is a personal thing as we all have varying tastes. I was using Adkin's Advantage almost exclusively. They really need to be very cold. Warm protein drinks are just nasty. I recently bought some Matrix samples. I am very impressed with the taste. I find little to no aftertaste at all. Try samples. Best way to determine which works for you. Aime

I am almost 2 years out now. I am quite active, working out five to six days a week. My nutritionist wants me to continue to consume around 100 gms protein a day. While I try to get as much as possible thru "real food" by following the Protein first rule while eating, I still need to supplement. I do consume protein drinks every day. I have to agree that the way to go for protein drinks is to try samples. Bariatric eating has sample packs you can try. It seems that everyone has different preferences, especially after WLS. You need to try a bunch of them to find the ones you like. I found right after surgery that I just could not stand the "milky" protein drinks (I like them now, though). I really only liked the slightly tart, fruit flavored ones like Isopure or Proti-15. Over time my tastes have changed a bit. Through it all, my favorites have been the fruit flavored drinks. The real staple in my diet now-a-days is Nectar. I love the Twisted Cherry and the Strawberry Kiwi. I have one every morning, which I mix up in my old Tupperware shaker with water and a couple of ice cubes. I also like Matrix later in the day, especially the chocolate. I use it to make cocoa for an evening snack. And, when its available, I love the Achiev One drinks for a mid-morning snack.

Is it true that we are to get the protein bars with less sugars as possible. ( I missplaced my doc's notes)